Air express shipping from and to the Philippines provides one of the fastest and most reliable options for sending parcels, documents, and ecommerce orders worldwide. With extensive global air routes from Manila, Cebu, and Davao, express shipments can reach Asia, North America, or Europe within 2-5 business days.
Whether you're an individual sending personal parcels abroad, a company shipping trade samples, or an ecommerce seller fulfilling global orders, air express services in the Philippines offer door-to-door delivery, real-time tracking, and customs assistance for both imports and exports.
Air Express Services
Air express shipping connects senders with global courier networks. Parcels are picked up from your location, processed through export customs, flown to destination hubs, and delivered directly to the recipient - typically within days.
While air freight is ideal for large cargo, air express provides priority handling, door-to-door delivery, and real-time tracking. It's the preferred method for smaller, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments that require faster customs clearance.
Air express rates are based on volumetric weight, using the higher of actual or dimensional size. Compact and well-packaged shipments move faster and cost less.
Rates increase during Christmas, Lunar New Year, and 11.11-12.12 ecommerce festivals, when air cargo demand peaks. Early booking helps secure lower rates and faster delivery.
Customs procedures are overseen by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Use durable corrugated boxes and waterproof wrapping to protect goods from tropical humidity. Label both inside and outside with English invoice copies for faster BOC clearance.
Prohibited items include firearms, narcotics, currency, perishable food, counterfeit goods, and hazardous materials. Consult the Bureau of Customs (BOC) prohibited items list before shipping.
The Philippines' ecommerce industry - led by Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop - relies on fast international shipping. iContainers integrates express delivery and customs automation for small and mid-sized online sellers.
Our ecommerce air express platform provides full shipment tracking, automatic customs filing with BOC, and VAT calculation for seamless cross-border delivery.
Typically 2-5 business days, depending on destination and customs clearance.
Most carriers allow up to 70 kg per piece or 120 cm in length.
Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), and Davao (DVO) are the Philippines' primary express air hubs.
An Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List are mandatory for international shipments.
Firearms, narcotics, perishable goods, hazardous materials, and counterfeit products are restricted.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) - Republic of the Philippines
https://customs.gov.ph/
Philippines - Import Tariffs (U.S. International Trade Administration)
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/philippines-import-tariffs
Philippines - Import Requirements and Documentation (Trade.gov)
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/philippines-import-requirements-and-documentation
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) - Manila International Airport Authority
https://www.miaa.gov.ph/
PwC Philippines - VAT Overview (Tax Summaries)
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/philippines
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Ecommerce Roadmap
https://www.dti.gov.ph/ecommerce/
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) - Cargo & Air Logistics
https://caap.gov.ph/
Statista - Ecommerce in the Philippines (Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop)
https://www.statista.com/topics/7598/e-commerce-in-the-philippines/